MOBILE, Alabama -- A local convenience store owner pleaded not guilty last week to charges that he embezzled more than $350,000 worth of government funds used to pay for milk, baby formula and other products for low-income pregnant women and young children.

Jamil Jamal Kayed, who lives in Mobile, faces a maximum of 5 years in prison if convicted of theft of public money.

Authorities allege that from January 2007 to December 2010, Kayed abused the Women, Infant and Children program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Authorities contend that Kayed traded cash for WIC vouchers for less than the face value and then turned them in for the full amount. He illegally collected $351,163, the indictment alleges.

U.S. Magistrate Judge William Cassady set Kayed’s trial for March, and allowed him to remain out of jail pending trial.

Douglas Dunning, an attorney for Kayed, said it was too early to comment on the facts of the case.

"It’s just an allegation, at this stage," he said. "At this stage, all we have is the indictment." 